Tonight we listened to this album at dinner for the first time in ages and I really enjoyed it. I have the Riverside 2005 remastered cd that states "20 bit K2 super coding " on the slipcase, whatever that means. The disc sounded good on our cheap Sony boom box in the kitchen - didn't sound overly loud. I noticed on Amazon there are two other versions available, a newer 24 bit remaster from last year (2011) and the original presumably non-remastered version from 1991. What do other forum members think of these versions, and yes I realize Monk should probably be played on vinyl, but that is in the future!
The higher frequencies on those 20-bit K2 remasters sounded boosted to me compared to earlier CD versions. I prefer the OJC of this album. Never heard the 2011 remaster.
I agree with this. Avoid the K2s in the red slipcases. I prefer the "OJC Remasters" version of this title (the 2011 version to which you refer) to the standard OJC CD, myself.
I thought last year's remaster was a vast improvement over the original OJC CD (and I needed to replace mine because the booklet got damaged, so it was win-win ). Cheers, Dave
I don't gree with this general dismissal. Most K2's I have heard sound very good. The treble is not more boosted that on many other jazz remasters. In fact, OJC's often have slightly rolled off treble. I found that many K2's come closer to Steve's 45rpm transfers than the OJCs.
Apparently the K2 of 'Monk's Music' is the one to have. It is mastered from the mono tapes rather than the stereo and it is said sounds much better for it (there were completely separate mono and stereo recording chains in use that day) I have tried to buy it in the past from Amazon sellers but I always got sent the standard version so I have given up trying to buy it.
Thanks guys. If I come across the newer remaster for a good price I will upgrade, but I think I got my K2 brand new for 6 bucks at Newbury comics and it doesn't sound horrible compared to some other 2005 discs that I have. Besides, I really need to add some more Thelonious to my modest jazz collection!
I agree with this assessment. I have TASF in this version as well, and it sounds fine to me (and better than, fwiw, the 24-bit reissue of Monk Plays Ellington, which I find bright and fatiguing).
Having seen the master tapes, the mastering notes for the OJC are about as pure as one can get: No added EQ.
There's a lot to be said for those venerable, un-messed with, humble OJC CDs-- especially now that they can be had for $4-8.
I love this album, and since posting this thread back in 2012, I have picked up at least two other Monk solo albums.